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Do you have to pay attention to something before pregnancy or just do it later?
Within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's body has already formed and it is too late to prevent any birth defects! Therefore, one must think about one's child even before conception.
All women, when they realize they are expecting a child, begin to take precautions and take better care of their health. On the other hand, it is essential that the couple of future parents go to their doctor for preconceptional counseling, that is, before conception. The interview with the doctor will serve to identify the presence of hereditary diseases in the family and other possible problems related to pregnancy, to decide the tests to be carried out and to provide the couple with all the necessary information. In the event that in the family history of the parents or in their state of health there are elements capable of increasing the risk of congenital defects in the unborn child, the doctor may propose any genetic counseling. The causes of birth defects can be many and unexpected. Some, however, can be prevented by eliminating smoking, alcohol and following a "healthy and balanced diet. Even more can be done: in fact, there is a vitamin, folic acid, which reduces the risk of congenital malformations such as defects of the neural tube and some malformations of the heart, lip, palate, kidney and limbs The mother will simply have to take a folic acid tablet starting at least one month before pregnancy.
The ultimate goal is: to take care of your baby even before it's born!
1. Ministry of Health. Preconception period
2. National Guideline System (SNLG). Physiological pregnancy
3. Ministry of Health. Congenital malformations
4. EpiCentro (ISS). Folic acid and folate
5. Ministry of Health. Folic acid and pregnancy ... sooner is better!
